Triumph Australia has launched its new-generation Rocket 3 cruiser, which is available in two variants: R and GT.
The bike is priced from $27,990 plus on-road costs for the R, and $28,990 for the GT.
Powered by a massive 2458cc inline triple, the Rocket 3 features the largest-capacity engine in series production.
Both the R and GT deliver 125kW and 221Nm. Compared to the previous-generation model, the new Rocket 3 delivers 11 per cent more grunt and has a higher redline of 7000rpm.
The engine has also lost 18 kilograms, with a new crankcase assembly, lubrication system and balancer shafts.
Meanwhile, an all-new aluminium frame with a forward-facing intake also helps to shed weight.
Overall, the new Rocket 3 is 40 kilograms lighter than the outgoing bike, and comes highly specified with adjustable 47mm Showa forks, a fully adjustable Showa monoshock as well as Brembo monobloc brakes with floating discs.
In terms of technology, the bike boasts a high-end TFT instrument cluster, optimised cornering ABS/traction control, four riding modes, LED lighting, hill hold control, cruiser control, keyless ignition and heated grips on the GT variant.
The Rocket 3 now uses a six-speed helical cut gearbox, which Triumph says is smoother, stronger and lighter for increased torque capacity.
To lower maintenance, the bike employs a new shaft drive system and a torque assist hydraulic clutch.
Distinguishing the two variants, Triumphs says the R is a ‘muscle roadster’ with its mid-mounted controls, a 773mm seat height and roadster handlebars, while the GT is more comfort-oriented with a 750mm seat height and heated grips.
The R will be offered in Korosi Red and Phantom Black, while the GT also gets Silver Ice and Storm Grey paint options.
Triumph Australia says it will offer 50+ accessories. Luggage options include a cast aluminium pannier with a retractable/lockable mounting system, 20-litre sports panniers, a 12-litre magnetic tank bag and a nine-litre quick-release tail bag.
Using a new liquid cooling system, the Rocket three passes Euro 5 emissions requirements, and returns a solid fuel efficiency rating of 6.82L/100km.
Triumph Australia has set service intervals at a fairly high 16,000 kilometres.
Specifications
| NEW ROCKET 3 R | NEW ROCKET 3 GT | |
| Engine Type | Inline 3-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC | |
| Capacity | 2,458cc | |
| Bore/Stroke | 110.2 mm x 85.9 mm | |
| Maximum Power | 165 bhp (123 kW) @ 6000rpm | |
| Maximum Torque | 221Nm @ 4,000rpm | |
| Fuel system | Ride-by-wire, fuel injected | |
| Exhaust | Stainless 3-into-1 headers with 3 exit silencer / CAT box | |
| Final drive | Shaft, bevel box | |
| Clutch | Hydraulic, torque-assist | |
| Gearbox | 6 speed | |
| Frame | Full aluminium frame | |
| Instruments | TFT multi-functional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and rider modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Rider-configurable) – Triumph TFT Connectivity System can be added with accessory fitted Bluetooth module |
|
| Swingarm | Single-sided, cast aluminium | |
| Front Wheel | 17 x 3.5in cast aluminium | |
| Rear Wheel | 16 x 7.5in cast aluminium | |
| Front Tyre | 150/80 R17 V | |
| Rear Tyre | 240/50 R16 V | |
| Front Suspension | Showa 47mm upside-down 1+1 cartridge front forks, compression and rebound adjuster. 120mm travel | |
| Rear Suspension | Fully adjustable Showa piggyback reservoir RSU with remote hydraulic preload adjuster, 107mm rear wheel travel. | |
| Front Brake | Dual 320mm discs, Brembo M4.30 Stylema® 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, Cornering ABS |
|
| Rear Brake | Single 300mm disc, Brembo M4.32 4-piston monobloc caliper, Cornering ABS | |
| Seat Height | 773mm | 750mm |
| Rake | 27.9º | |
| Trail | 134.9 mm | |
| Dry Weight | 291 kg | 294 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18 L | |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.82 l/100km (32.43 MPG) | |
| CO2 Emissions | EURO 5 Standard: 158g/km | |
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
